MY TRAVEL BLOG

​Welcome to my blog, Lakes and Loons!​​

​A few of my favorite State Parks:

My hope is that through this site, you will discover new places to visit, explore and experience. I love Minnesota, the land of over 10,000 lakes, and my most favorite part of this amazing state is the northeastern corner, along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

I have been making annual treks north every year since I was a child. I am passionate about the scenic beauty, the arts, the people and the peace that finds me whenever I am there.

I am often asked, "where should we stay?" "where should we eat?" and "where should we go once we get there?" and now I can direct everyone here!

Once you start your planning, keep in mind there are great resources for you through other sites as well:

​www.exlporeminnesota.com

www.northshorevisitor.com

www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks.com

And there are fabulous free guides, maps and brochures available to you at every Minnesota state park and several restaurants along the way.

A few of my favorite places to stay:

Thomsonite Beach Inn - (www.thomsonite.com)

East Bay Suites - Grand Marais - (eastbaysuites.com)

Lutsen Resort - (lutsentresort.com)

Chateau LeVeaux - (chateauleveaux.com)

Best Western - Grand Marais (www.BestWestern.com/GrandMarais)

Country Inn of Two Harbors - (countryinntwoharbors.com)

The Suites Hotel - Duluth (thesuitesduluth.com)

Homes we have rented on the North Shore via VRBO.com and /or CascadeVacationRentals:

The Fisherman's House - Grand Marais

The "Glass House" - Lutsen

Ilahee - Grand Marais

These are just a few of the places we have stayed throughout the years. There are many more, but we have had great experiences at those listed above.

Jay Cooke State Park - Carlton

Gooseberry Falls State Park ​- north of Two Harbors

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - north of Gooseberry

Tettegouche State Park - north of Silver Bay

Temperance River State Park - north of Schroeder

Cascade River State Park - north of Lutsen

Judge C.R. Magney State Park - north of Grand Marais

Grand Portage State Park - Pigeon Falls - at MN/Canadian border

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I highly recommend purchasing a year long State Park sticker - it will allow entrance to any state park in Minnesota for a year from purchase. Best investment we have made!